Sumner County Commissioner meeting minutes: Sept. 11 – Sept. 12, 2023
Sumner Newscow report — The following are the Sumner County Commissioners meeting minutes for Sept. 11 and Sept. 12, 2023:
Sept. 11, 2023 – 9 a.m.
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session in the Commission room of the Sumner County Courthouse. Those present were Chairman John Cooney and Commissioner Steve Warner. Commissioner Jim Newell was absent. Also present was County Clerk Debra A. Norris and 80th House Representative Bill Rhiley.
The Commission reviewed and unanimously approved the minutes of September 4 and 5.
Jake Power, Norwich Mayor, advised all is well with EMS and expressed appreciation for funding and working with Sumner County.
Representative Rhiley invited the Commission and spouses to the Cowley County Republican fundraiser on October 7. He has two tables reserved if anyone would be interested in joining him.
Jan Grace, Campus Operations Officer (COO) for the Cowley College – Sumner County Campus, provided a campus update to the Commission. Grace advised the number of students enrolled, headcount, and FTE exceeds past years with a 40 percent occupancy of the dorms.
At 10:45 a.m., upon unanimous vote, the Commission entered into an executive session for 5 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel. At 10:50 a.m., the Commission reconvened in open session. Chairman Cooney advised no binding action was taken due to the executive session.
There being no further business, the Board of County Commissioners adjourned at 11:10 a.m.
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September 12, 2023 – 9 a.m.
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session in the Commission room of the Sumner County Courthouse. Those present were Chairman John Cooney and Commissioner Steve Warner. Commissioner Jim Newell was absent. Also present was County Clerk Debra A. Norris and 80th House Representative Bill Rhiley.
Road and Bridge Director Doug Finch presented a prepared contract for Cook, Flatt, and Strobel (CFS) for engineering services on a bridge project located on North Oliver Rd, 2.1 miles North of Belle Plaine over the Cowskin Creek Tributary. An award of $1,150,000 was received from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT). After discussion, the Commission signed the contract. Additional departmental projects were also reviewed.
At 9:50 a.m., upon unanimous vote, the Commission entered into an executive session for 5 minutes with Economic Development Director Stacey Davis to discuss data relating to the financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts, and individual proprietorships. Clerk Norris was asked to remain in the meeting. At 9:55 a.m., the Commission reconvened in open session. No binding action was taken as a result of the executive session.
Director Stacy Davis’s request for $200,000 of ARPA funding was discussed. She advised funding will be used to entice new business to Sumner County. After review and discussion, the Commission authorized the request.
The Commission also reviewed and unanimously approved mid-month payables in the amount of $425,381.75.
There being no further business, the Board of County Commissioners adjourned at 10:04 a.m.
